Amaechi made this assertion during his speech at the 2023 TheNiche Annual Lecture, which was centered around the theme, “Why We Stride and Slip: Leadership, Nationalism, and the Nigerian Condition.” The event took place in Lagos on Thursday.
The former Governor of Rivers State highlighted that Nigeria is currently in search of leaders with a national outlook, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reconsideration of the country’s democracy, both in terms of its scope and focus.
While acknowledging the contributions of Nigerian nationalists who played pivotal roles in securing the nation’s independence, Amaechi underlined that genuine nationalistic leadership transcends ethnic boundaries.
He elaborated, stating, “With all due respect, the only individual who comes close to embodying true nationalism is Former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The others primarily represent the interests of specific ethnic groups.”
According to Amaechi, an exemplary national leader possesses the capacity to unify the entire nation under the banner of a shared national identity, driven by a clear vision and a defined mission.
“A truly exceptional national leader transcends limitations to guide the nation and its people towards uncharted territory,” he explained. This territory is characterized by national greatness, collective achievements, shared aspirations, and prosperity.
Amaechi further emphasized that many nations are the result of amalgamating diverse ethnicities under a single sovereignty, and numerous nations have grappled with the challenge of managing internal diversity.
He pointed out that many Nigerian leaders in positions of authority often prioritize the interests of their respective ethnic groups, and as a consequence, Nigeria’s identity remains overshadowed by ethnic divisions
